3 Keys for Flourishing Spiritually

My heart fell when my daughter handed me a lovely potted orchid on Mother’s Day. Not because I don’t love orchids—I do. Not because I didn’t appreciate the gift—I did. Orchids are exotic, delicate, and pleasing to look at, and I’ve purchased a few of them in my life.  But I never had success sustaining them. I kill them, one-by-one.

Until now. This one is still standing, as lovely as the day she first entered my home. I’m so proud of her. I named her Opal. An opal is a delicate gem and something to treasure. So is Opal my Orchid and the daughter who gave her to me.

The difference?

Determined to find success this time, I read the care instructions provided by the nursery. And I followed them. The directions are simple, and my orchid is flourishing.

A Flourishing Life for Orchids: 3 Simple Steps

1. Nourishment

Two ounces of warm water once a week. I set a reminder on my phone for Mondays: water orchid. It dings at 9:00 p.m. Leaving a measuring cup near the plant makes the task a cinch.

2. Light

Orchids prefer indirect natural light, so I placed Opal in a south-facing window. I rotate her one-eighth of a turn when I first greet her in the morning.

3. Environment

Orchids love humidity. Because my primary bathroom offers space, ideal light conditions, and humidity, she thrives there.

A Flourishing Christian Life: 3 Keys

Sometimes it’s difficult to flourish spiritually. Life is hard and drains our inner resources. Fortunately, we have the Bible to turn to for direction. Three keys in Scripture parallel with my orchid’s needs:

• Nourishment

Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

We must have sufficient nourishment to flourish spiritually. The Word of God is essential. Notice Jesus says every word from God in this verse. It’s an ongoing process. Every day. Carve out some time and set a reminder, if needed.

A friend receives a daily Bible verse alert on her phone. She reads it, contemplates it, and incorporates it into a brief prayer. For help establishing spiritual habits and meeting spiritual goals, check out this PDF: Developing Spiritual Goals.

• Light

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12 NIV)

Jesus is the spiritual light of the world, but we must seek His light. I rotate my plant by inches daily to ensure enough light reaches every leaf, stem, and petal. When we turn toward Jesus daily, His light shines, and we find it even in our darkest moments.

When we grow accustomed to walking with Jesus each day, we find He shines even in our darkest moments.

• Environment

And let us consider how to we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—

(Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV)

Because we need a suitable environment to grow our faith, we surround ourselves with like-minded people. We fellowship, worship, and serve together. As orchids need a humid environment, we need a spiritual atmosphere to thrive and help others thrive. My orchid depends on me to help her flourish. Christian flourishing depends on something outside ourselves as well—salvation through the Holy Spirit. We flourish when we help others flourish, and, more important, we glorify God when we flourish.

What helps you flourish spiritually?

We flourish when we help others flourish, and, more important, we glorify God when we flourish. Share on X